The GeM Portal has revolutionized public procurement in India by offering a transparent, efficient, and user-friendly platform for buyers and sellers. Beyond its contributions to digital transformation and economic empowerment, GeM is now setting its sights on sustainability. As environmental concerns become a global priority, GeM is actively implementing strategies to promote sustainable practices in government procurement. This article explores the various initiatives and future goals of GeM that align with the principles of sustainability, showcasing its commitment to creating a greener future.
Emphasizing Green Procurement
Green procurement is at the heart of GeM’s sustainability efforts. The platform actively encourages the procurement of eco-friendly products and services by:
- Categorizing Green Products: GeM has introduced specific categories for environmentally sustainable products, such as energy-efficient appliances, biodegradable materials, and recycled goods.
- Mandatory Sustainability Criteria: Certain government tenders now include sustainability criteria, ensuring that only green-certified products are considered.
- Supplier Incentives: Vendors offering eco-friendly products often receive higher visibility and preference in procurement decisions, motivating more suppliers to adopt sustainable practices.
Supporting Renewable Energy Solutions
GeM is increasingly focusing on renewable energy products and services, helping India transition to a low-carbon economy. Examples include:
- Solar and Wind Energy Products: GeM promotes the purchase of solar panels, wind turbines, and related accessories for government projects.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: The platform prioritizes energy-saving options like LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption in government facilities.
- Green Building Materials: GeM supports the procurement of sustainable building materials that minimize environmental impact during construction.
Steps to apply for Udyam Registration
- Visit GeM Website: Go to the official GeM registration portal.
- Enter Details: Fill in basic information like name, email, phone number, and date of birth.
- Review Information: Double-check all the details for accuracy.
- Select Payment: Choose your preferred payment method (credit/debit card, net banking).
- Pay the Fee: Complete the registration fee payment.
- OTP Verification: Enter the OTP received via SMS or email.
- GeM Confirmation: A GeM representative will call to confirm your OTP.
- Complete Registration: After verification, your registration is done.
- Get GeM ID: Receive your seller ID and login credentials via email.
- Set Up Profile: Login, set up your profile and list your products.
- Submit Caution Money: You’ll be notified to submit caution money.
- Select Product Listing: On the dashboard, click Product Listing to add new products or manage your existing ones.
- Choose Product Category: Pick the correct category for your product. This helps government buyers find your product easily.
- Start Selling: Your products are now visible to government buyers, and you can begin receiving orders.
Circular Economy Initiatives
A circular economy seeks to eliminate waste and reuse resources. GeM is contributing to this concept by:
- Encouraging Recycled Products: Vendors are encouraged to list products made from recycled materials, such as paper, plastics, and metals.
- Repair and Maintenance Services: Instead of replacing old equipment, GeM promotes services that repair and extend the lifecycle of products.
- E-Waste Management: GeM offers e-waste recycling services to ensure that obsolete electronic items are disposed of responsibly.
Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Procurement
Technology plays a crucial role in making sustainable procurement achievable. GeM utilizes advanced tools to:
- Implement AI-Driven Recommendations: Artificial Intelligence suggests greener alternatives to buyers based on their procurement history.
- Monitor Carbon Footprints: GeM is working on integrating carbon footprint tracking into its platform to help buyers understand the environmental impact of their purchases.
- Optimize Supply Chains: By streamlining logistics and reducing transportation needs, GeM helps lower emissions associated with procurement.
Policy Integration and Collaboration
GeM’s sustainability goals align closely with national and international policies on climate change and sustainable development. Key collaborations include:
- Alignment with SDGs: GeM’s initiatives directly support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to responsible consumption, clean energy, and climate action.
- Collaboration with NGOs and Green Organizations: Partnerships with environmental organizations help GeM develop and implement effective green procurement policies.
- Government Policies: GeM works closely with ministries to ensure that its practices support national objectives like ‘Mission Net Zero’ and ‘Make in India’ for sustainability.
Promoting Sustainable Packaging
Packaging waste is a significant environmental concern. GeM addresses this issue by:
- Encouraging Minimalist Packaging: Vendors are incentivized to use minimal packaging materials.
- Biodegradable Options: Buyers are guided toward vendors that offer biodegradable or reusable packaging solutions.
- Packaging Standards: GeM is working on establishing standardized guidelines for sustainable packaging.
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Conclusion
The GeM Portal is not just a platform for public procurement; it is a catalyst for change in how India approaches sustainability. By promoting green procurement, leveraging technology, supporting MSMEs, and fostering collaborations, GeM is setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the public sector. As the platform continues to evolve, its initiatives will play a crucial role in building a more sustainable future for India and the world. Through its unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility, GeM is paving the way for a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable tomorrow.
